The future of the Jolly’s House of Fraser department store in Bath remains uncertain, as Bath & North East Somerset Council continues to ‘consider proposals’ for the retail space.
The store on Milsom Street, known as Jolly’s, is at risk of closure if a new rental agreement with the building’s landlord, B&NES Council, can’t be reached.
Discussions are ongoing between Sports Direct and B&NES Council, but there are also other interested parties who want to take over the space.
The House of Fraser department store chain went into administration in August, but was bought by Sports Direct as part of a £90 million package.
In a statement, Mr Ashley said: “We continue to hope to save at least 80 per cent of stores. We’ve shown what we can achieve on the British high street when we work together with landlords.
“I would like to thank those landlords who have helped us to rescue approximately 3,500 jobs at the stores we have saved to date.
“However, I am disappointed that in my opinion a small number of greedy landlords still refuse to be reasonable.
“I am calling on everybody to pull together, including landlords and local authorities, in order to help to save as many House of Fraser stores and jobs as possible.”
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said she has sympathy with B&NES Council
A spokesperson for B&NES Council said: “Bath & North East Somerset Council regrets the uncertainty the recent House of Fraser announcement has caused Jollys’ staff, shoppers, and the wider business community.
“The council is committed to securing high-quality retail and jobs in this key anchor site. It also has a duty to get the best deal for local taxpayers while ensuring the long-term vitality of this part of Bath.
“It is currently considering the proposals put to the council by the current operator and has also received a number of similar approaches from other retailers.
“Bath is seen as a great place to do business. The council has good reason to be very confident that this historic site will continue to serve the retail needs of the city into the future.
“The council expects to be able to make an announcement on the future of the site very shortly.”
Responding to the potential closure of the store, Lib Dem Group Leader, Councillor Dine Romero, commented: “Jolly’s is a retail icon in Bath. It’s a major draw for shoppers and helps support the vibrant mix of independent shops and chains for which Bath is celebrated.
“A closed and boarded up Jolly’s would be a body blow to Bath. The knock on effects would be serious; both on the local economy and particularly for staff members whose jobs are on the line.
“We want to see the Council fighting to retain a flagship department store in Bath’s premier shopping district.
“However we believe the rhetoric about ‘greedy landlords’ is misplaced. If the Council was pushed into cutting the rent for the Jolly’s building, there would be an impact on funding for public services.”
Bath’s MP, Wera Hobhouse added: “I have some sympathy for the Council, as they are cash strapped because central government aren’t giving them any money.
“They are trying to plug the gap in the social care budget with income from high commercial rents. Having said that, the council should not act like a private landlord; they have a responsibility to the people of Bath, and to act in the public good.”
“The public good in this case is to ensure that Bath has a thriving high street with a large variety of shopping experiences.
“I encourage the Council to find a creative way to prevent a Jolly’s sized hole appearing in Milsom Street.”
